In 2023, Bayfield sported not only the 3A Southwest League’s top boys soccer squad, but also its top player and coach.
Sophomore Ayden Casillas was named the league’s Player of the Year for the second time in his still-young career, while coach Chris Zoltowski won Coach of the Year honors.
The Wolverines went 5-0-1 in league play and 9-5-1 overall, winning the Southwest League title. Bayfield reached the CHSAA Class 3A State Tournament, but lost in the opening round of 32 at Peak to Peak.
“Hydration is a huge part of it, and diet. Even though you can’t see it, you can feel it,” Casillas remarked late in the season. “And we trained really hard over the summer and … in practices – Fridays, we’re out at (8 a.m.) training hard. So I think we deserved, like, what’s coming … throughout the season.”
Having also reached the round of 32 last fall (before being eliminated at Roaring Fork), BHS’ record under Zoltowski the past two seasons stands a solid 18-9-3 overall and 9-2-1 in SWL action.
Senior Shae Railsback joined Casillas as a repeat First Team All-League selection. Railsback scored the Wolverines’ lone goal in their 11-1 season-ending loss up. Seniors Asher Madonna and Lance Mitchell also garnered First Team All-League distinction.
“We really wanted to go to the playoffs … at least,” said Railsback. “We knew (the Peak to Peak match) was either the last time, or we could go further; we really just wanted to give it our all.”
Bayfield freshman Julian Polanco and sophomore Tauer Crotty received Second Team All-SWL nods.
More recently, Casillas was awarded Honorable Mention All-3A, along with Mitchell and Soto.
